NY S03194

Requires shelters, humane societies, and dog control officers to hold seized dogs for redemption: 7 days if notice is given in person, or 9 days if notice is given by certified mail.

Exempts dogs from redemption notification and holding requirements if the owner voluntarily relinquished possession and control under section 374 of the Agriculture and Markets Law; such dogs must be made available for adoption.

Mandates that animals not redeemed or adopted must be made available for adoption for a minimum of 90 days before euthanasia is permitted, except when a licensed veterinarian certifies the animal is too diseased, disabled, or infirm to be fit for any useful purpose.

Increases the minimum redemption period for dogs from 3 days to 5 days (7 days if notice is by mail) and allows municipalities to establish longer periods by local law.

Requires owners seeking to relinquish healthy animals (not maimed, diseased, disabled, or infirm) to surrender them to a shelter or humane society rather than authorizing euthanasia by consent.